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Exterior lighting
This section covers headlight and fog lights. Proper headlight alignment is important, as most glare is caused by lighting that is improperly aimed. The installation of certain high powered headlights may require that the harness be upgraded to handle the additional current flow. Several standard replacement bulbs are also available in "long-life" versions. These include the 9005XS, 9006XS, 3157 and 194's. They are usually identified with the addition of "LL" at the end of the bulb number and vary between 1.5 to 2x the life of standard bulbs.
Headlamp options
There can be several advantages and disadvantages in using different lighting systems. In most States, the low beam is not supposed to exceed 55 watts and high beams are not to exceed 60 watts. It's legal, though, to run higher wattage for "off road" use, but many drivers have used these higher-powered lights on-road. It's best to research thoroughly to obtain different opinions and additional information before you make your upgrade decision.
Jeep uses the "straight base" style headlamp bulbs, designated by the "XS" or "X/S" in the part number. The standard 9005/9006 right-angle base bulbs used by most manufacturers can fit into sockets made for the XS bulbs but may require slight modifications or different installation techniques. Always make sure that any bulbs or lights you change/modify on your vehicle is legal and safe.
- Replacement bulbs -Standard (straight socket):
Sylvania 9005XS & 9006XS. 65/55 watts, 3280K/3140K. Premium quality.
Sylvania Long Life 9005XS LL & 9006XS LL. 65/55 watts, 3100K/3050K. (1.5x life/2.0x life of standard bulb).
- Replacement bulbs - Performance:
Eaglite Xenon 9005XS & 9006XS. 100/80 watts, 4200K/4200K. Xenon bulbs provide a very white light with a slight blue hue up close. They are designed to simulate the look of true HID systems. The bulbs are optically dyed with a UV filter, which filters out the yellow light that halogen bulbs produce. The UV filter is blue which is why the bulbs look blue but appear white when lit. Eaglite Superwhite bulbs both contain high concentrations of xenon gas, which extends the life of the bulb and allows you to more safely use higher wattages.
PIAA 9005 & 9006 Xtreme White Plus. 60 watts (=120w) / 51 watts (=115w), 4000K / 4000K. Requires special but simple installation technique, see Chris Henry's article link above). More information can be found on the PIAA web site.
Sylvania Silverstar 9005XS & 9006XS. 70/60 watts, 4000K/4000K. "SilverStar's color temperature is a white hot 4,000K, far higher than other halogens on the market and com parable to HID. SilverStar shines with a luminance up to 20% greater than other halogens. A sharp profile, silver tip, and amethyst blue coating create a dramatic, high-end, crisp, clean look."
Note: Mopar now carries the Silverstar 9006 series for the Grand Cherokee. P/N PL9006XSST.
- Harness upgrade:
Anyone want to do a write-up on the Kolak harness upgrade?
- HID kits and lamps (High Intensity Discharge):
There are HID xenon conversion kits available for WJ Jeep on Kensun.com that plug into the existing connectors at the back of your headlamp assemblies. These kits come with an in-line ballast to drive the lamps. The ballast is weather-proof and can be placed nearly anywhere near the headlamp, and they do not need to be secured. It is recommended they are placed in an area where they won't move or bounce around.
There are 35 and 55 watt kits available, in a range of color temperatures. For a clean white look, choose 5000k or 6000k bulbs. Regular halogens are around 3000k in color temperature. The 55 watt bulbs are slightly brighter than the 35 watt bulbs, and the 35 watt bulbs are significantly brighter than regular halogens.
HID bulbs take almost 10 seconds to reach full brightness when turned on as they need time to warm up. The glass portion of the bulb should be kept completely clean and should not be touched during the installation as this could reduce the lifespan of the bulb.
- OEM Headlamp assemblies:
Some Laredo owners have elected to change their headlight housings to the Limited versions which feature clear front and lower lenses, while on the other hand some Limited owners have switched their lights to the Laredo lights. A table with the part numbers for all models, along with the manufacturer's suggested retail price is featured below.
There have been three different headlamp assemblies used on the WJ's:
1. Laredo (1999-2002) Dark tinted lenses, clear inside reflectors, Amber lower and side markers
2. Laredo (2002-2004) Tinted lenses, black insides, clear lower lense, Amber side markers
3. Limited/Overland (1999-2004) Clear front lenses, clear inside reflectors, clear lower lense, Amber side markers
2002 Limited Headlamp assembly, front and back view.
| OEM Headlamp assemblies 1999-2004 |
| Application |
Model Year |
Part # Left |
Part # Right |
MSRP |
| Laredo |
1999-00 |
55155129 |
55155128 |
$70.00 |
| Laredo |
2001 |
55155129AB |
55155128AB |
$70.00 |
| Laredo |
2002 |
55155129AB
(up thru 1/14/02, clear inside, Amber lower lens)
55155129AC
(after 1/14/02, black inside
clear lower lens)
|
55155128AB
(up thru 1/14/02, clear inside, Amber lower lens)
55155128AC
(after 1/14/02, black inside
clear lower lens)
|
$70.00 |
| Laredo |
2003 |
55155129AC |
55155128AC |
$70.00 |
| Laredo |
2004 |
55155129AG |
55155128AG |
$70.00 |
| Limited |
1999-00 |
55155553AB |
55155552AB |
$70.00 |
| Limited |
2001 |
55155553AB |
55155552AB |
$70.00 |
| Limited / Overland |
2002 |
55155553AE |
55155552AE |
$70.00 |
| Limited / Overland |
2003 |
55155553AD |
55155552AD |
$70.00 |
| Limited / Overland |
2004 |
55155553AF |
55155552AF |
$70.00 |
Headlight recess area, showing the stock harness and all 5 bulbs
- Custom colored bulbs:
Aftermarket custom color bulbs are available for the following exterior bulbs, although they are not typically legal or recommended for most on-road applications:
# 3157 (Back-up, brake, tail, turn signals)
# 161 (License plate)
# 194 (Parking, side marker)
# 921 (Center high stop light)
| Upper stop light mod: Custom black vinyl decals that fit over the lens are sold by "decalman2004" and other sellers on Ebay. A search under that user name or under "Jeep brake decal" will bring up current listings. |
Fog lights and lamps
Mopar Fog Light kits
For Laredos and other models that came without the factory fog light option, the same exact OEM lights are available in a Mopar accessory kit. Also includes auto headlamp feature.
| Mopar Fog light kit parts |
| Item |
1999-2003 |
2004 |
| 1. Light package, fog lights (includes #'s 2-15 below) |
82204837 (1999-2000)
82206653 (2001-2002)
(up to 10/28/01)
82207798 (2002-2003)
(after 10/28/01)
MSRP $195.00
|
82208252 (2004)
MSRP $195.00
|
| 2. Switch, multifunction |
56042302AG |
56042302AG |
| 3. Relay, mini |
4671168 |
4671168 |
| 4. Nut and washer, hex nut-sealing washer, M6 x 1.00 (x4) |
34201358 |
(not required) |
| 5. Bezel, fog lamp, Right (available in kit only) |
82205214 |
50010189AA |
| 6. Bezel, fog lamp, Left (available in kit only) |
82205215 |
50010189AA |
| 7. Fog lamp housing, Left |
55155137AC (9055 bulb) |
55156733AB (9145 bulb) |
| 8. Fog lamp housing, Right |
55155136AC (9055 bulb) |
55156733AB (9145 bulb) |
| 9. Sensor, headlamp |
56042584AA |
56042584AA |
| 10. Screw, tapping (x2) (x6) |
6101946 (x2) |
6506579AA (x6) |
| 11. Harness, wiring (available in kit only) |
(no part number) |
(no part number) |
| 12. Fuse |
6101488 (or #00ATM20)
(mini, 20A, yellow) |
6101488 (or #00ATM20)
(mini, 20A, yellow) |
| 13. Tie strap (x5) |
4641780 (7.75 inch) |
4641780 (7.85 inch) |
| 14. Tie strap |
6016155 (14.5 inch) |
(not required) |
| 15. Rivet, fenderwell (x6) |
34201631 (M6.25x28) |
34201631 (M6.25x28) |
| 16. bulb, fog lamp (x2) |
L0009 055 (1999-2002)
L0009 040 (2003) |
L0009 145 (2004) |
Mopar foglamp kit installation directions, front page.
Click HERE for a PDF file of all 7-pages (482kb).
- Replacement foglamp bulbs - Standard (90 degree socket):
Sylvania 9055XT. 55 watts, 2950K. Advanced halogen, long-life design.
- Replacement foglamp bulbs - Premium:
Sylvania Cool Blue bulb 9005CB. 65 watts, 3550K.
Sylvania Silverstar 9005. 60 watts, 4000K. "SilverStar's color temperature is a white hot 4,000K, far higher than other halogens on the market and comparable to HID. SilverStar shines with a luminance up to 20% greater than other halogens. A sharp profile, silver tip, and amethyst blue coating create a dramatic, high-end, crisp, clean look."
PIAA 9005 Platinum Super White. 60 watt=110w, 3800K.
- Aftermarket foglamp assemblies:
PIAA 1700X Platinum Plasma Blue Fog Lamp. 55 watts. Available in kit form with two lamps, wiring harness, relay, and switch (part # 1790). 3-15/16" wide x 2-1/16" high x 3" deep. Silver PPS housing, chrome plated aluminum trim ring, and glass lens. Requires fitting adjustments.
PIAA makes more than 20 different styles and sizes of aftermarket fog lights. You can view the complete list on their web site here: PIAA fog lamps. In addition, PIAA offers many different Driving Lights including the model 912's that Chris Henry custom fit into the lower grill of his '01.
Lighting upgrades - interior
Many of the interior bulbs in the WJs can be replaced with different color and/or slightly different wattage bulbs. Even though some bulbs may appear identical in size and fit, it's recommended to stay reasonably close to the original factory specified bulb sizes and specifications.
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NOTE: Upgrading the dome lights to LED bulbs will increase the brightness and improve the interior appearance of the vehicle, but for some reason, the lights above the rear doors and the cargo area never completely turn off. These lights remain dim 24/7 unless the lights are switched "On" manually or a door is open. The lights are not bright enough to be a distraction while driving at night, but are bright enough for passengers to read. Also, with LED dome lights, the buttons to turn the individual lights on can act strangely when the key is removed, but always act normally when the key is "On."
So far, only one type of interior bulb used in the WJ is available aftermarket in a different color - the # 194 which is used only for the glove compartment. However, this bulb could also be substituted for the #161 and #192 bulbs that are used in the front door courtesy lights, the ashtray, and the overhead reading lights. If colored effects are desired for other size lights such as in the Cargo area, under-panel courtesy, assist handles and the vanity visors, special bulb paints are available from several manufacturers (see the lighting links section).
See also:
Bulb specifications Lighting links
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